WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg today announced its distinguished honorary degree recipients for its 2011 Spring Convocation. The honour goes to individuals who have achieved great distinction through their contributions to their fields of work and to our society. The notable list includes leading social justice advocates Jonathan F. Fanton and Leslie Spillett, public servant David A. Golden, and journalist William D. Roberts.
“These individuals come from diverse backgrounds yet share in their commitment and dedication to their field of work,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. “These recipients are each visionary, advocates for social justice, and philanthropic within their own right and have contributed to a better and more just society, and have left a lasting mark.”
Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Honorary Doctorate of Laws will be conferred on Dr. Jonathan F. Fanton
Jonathan Fanton is a leading advocate for a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. He has devoted his professional life to promoting innovation in higher education, global justice and philanthropy. Fanton provided critical support for Canadian-led initiatives such as the Ottawa Treaty banning antipersonnel landmines, creation of the International Criminal Court and formation of the doctrine of “Responsibility to Protect.” He continues to be one of the world’s leading advocates for an integrated system of international justice and for four years, served as chair of Human Rights Watch, the largest U.S.-based human rights organization, which operates in 70 countries.
Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 2:30 PM
Honorary Doctorate of Laws will be conferred upon David A. Golden
A Rhodes Scholar, a war veteran and a former prisoner of war, David A. Golden has made his mark by launching a distinguished career in public service that spans close to half a century and he played a significant role in making Canada a world leader in science, advanced technology and telecommunications. He has contributed to a number of satellite firsts in the world and his visionary insight bridged the worlds of government and business to help them work together more efficiently for the benefit of all Canadians.
Friday, June 10, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Honorary Doctorate of Laws conferred upon Leslie Spillett
Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters conferred upon William D. Roberts
William Roberts is a visionary who has demonstrated skills as a journalist, broadcaster, public policy analyst and educator. He has consistently advanced freedom of the press and freedom of expression and has championed the cause of women and multiculturalism in Canada and abroad. He is a consistent advocate for the rights and freedoms in the quest for human dignity and global community and is a strong supporter of the Knowles/Woodsworth Centre at The University of Winnipeg. He is a sought after advisor and contributor to government, business, academia and media organizations.
Leslie Spillett has made vast contributions for more than three decades to Winnipeg’s inner-city and Indigenous community as an activist and advocate on a wide range of issues that include many aspects of the human spirit and dignity by bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans together. She participated in the Amnesty International research, and subsequent report Stolen Sisters and has represented these women at a UN World Conference Against Racism in 2001 and at a UNESCO conference in 2005.
